I learned this simple salad recipe when I went back to the Philippines and visited my cousin. I actually surprised her by showing up at her house! She wasn’t expecting me, so she started wondering what she could prepare for me to eat.
She encouraged me to go outside with her because there were people selling fresh vegetables along the roadside. I simply followed her and watched what she chose. She picked up some Chinese cabbage and carrots, and we went back home.
When we got home, she made a simple salad using only the ingredients she already had in the house. I didn’t expect much from such a simple dish, but I really enjoyed it! It was fresh, crunchy, slightly sweet from the raisins, and so delicious.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that salad even after I returned to Japan. Since then, I’ve been making it regularly at home. My children love it too!
How I Make It
I simply blanch the sliced Chinese cabbage and carrots in hot water for a short time. Then I immediately transfer the vegetables into ice water to stop the cooking and keep them nice and crisp.
After that, I drain and gently squeeze out the excess water, then place the vegetables in a bowl. I also soak some raisins in hot water to soften them. Before adding them to the salad, I gently squeeze out a little of the excess water from the raisins. Then I season everything with a little salt and pepper, add mayonnaise, and mix well. I put the salad in the refrigerator for a while to chill before serving.
That’s all there is to it!
It’s super easy, refreshing, and delicious—and it’s a great way to enjoy some vegetables too. I love recipes like this because they don’t need fancy ingredients. Sometimes, the simplest dishes become the ones we remember the most. 💛
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